UFC title challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson is dead at age 38

Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died at the age of 38 following a lengthy battle with an unspecified illness. 

The ex-fighter was due to fight for the Bellator light-heavyweight title in September 2021 but pulled out due to a health issue. 

The health problem persisted over the past year and his manager Ali Abdelaziz had asked fans as recently as last month to ‘pray’ for the fighter. 

It was confirmed Saturday evening that the UFC star had lost his battle with the illness. 

‘Rumble, he’s going through some health problems right now. It’s very sad,’ Abdelaziz said during an ESPN interview in October. ‘I think, I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony. It’s not going well. He’s very strong, spiritually. But pray for him.’

Although he never specified what the illness was, ‘Rumble’ opened up on the situation, explaining how he was sick to fans on social media. 

Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died at 38

It was confirmed Saturday evening that the UFC star had lost his battle with unspecified illness 

His post read: ‘Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing. Never been this afraid of anything in my life but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family.’ 

Johnson challenged for the light-heavyweight belt in the UFC on two occasions, both times losing to all-time great Daniel Cormier. 

They first met in 2015 at UFC 187 after Jon Jones was forced out, before a rematch at UFC 210 in April 2017 with Cormier winning both by submission.

Johnson challenged Daniel Cormier for the light-heavyweight belt in the UFC on two occasions

At his prime he beat world champions such as Glover Texeira and Ryan Bader, as well as defeating the likes of Jimi Manuwa and Alexander Gustafsson. His most recent outing was a light-heavyweight Grand Prix bout with Jose Augusto Azevedo which he won by knockout in the second round back in May of 2021.

Tributes flooded in from the UFC world on social media following the news. 

Cormier paid his respects on social media, writing: ‘Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. 

‘From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news #RIP #Rumblesquad @Anthony_Rumble’ 

The tributes from the UFC world, including Cormier, poured in after the news broke

American MMA fighter Michael Chiesa posted: ‘RIP Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy.’

UFC commentator John Gooden added: ‘Heart breaking to learn of the tragic news that Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has passed away.

‘I have a poster of him by my desk looking powerful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.’